INDUSTRY - FARMERS’ PARTNERSHIP NECESSARY FOR INCREASED SOY PRODUCTION: SPECIAL SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

Special Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Mr. J P Meena on Thursday asked the India Inc. to establish partnership directly with the farmers for increased soy acreages, given its protein value for its large scale production and consumption.

Addressing a Workshop on Role of Soy in Health and Nutrition under aegis of PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry here today, Mr. Meena further emphasised that just as a massive campaign was launched to popularize eggs consumption under a title “Sunday ho ya Monday, Roz Khain Ande”, similar exercise needs to be initiated to propagate the use of soy for mass consumption as well as production.

The Special Secretary also explained that government has host of subsidized schemes to an extent of 50% for soy processing through mega food park up to an investment of Rs.50 crore in land to set up 4 to 5 soy processing plants.

“The other scheme is likely to be brought in by the Ministry of Food Processing to enable investors set up processing units in which the investments in plants and machineries could be up to Rs.10 crore, with government subsidizing to an extent of 35%”, said Mr. Meena.

He also urged industry to develop and diversify the domestic soy market and should not alone concentrate its efforts on exports as with the development of domestic market with this approach will bring in higher soy acreages by farmers under cultivation even if its productivity in Indian context is not at desired level.

In his welcome remarks, Vice President, PHD Chamber, Mr. Anil Khaitan also stressed the need for extensive efforts by industry to expand the soy production for its higher consumption as this would serve the twin needs for extensive soy production for mass consumption as well as enhancing its exports.

Among others who spoke with similar tone during the workshop comprised Senior Attache for Agricultural Affairs, US Embassy, Mr. J Jonn P Slette; Chairperson, Agribusiness Committee, PHD Chamber, Ms. Priyanka Mittal and Chairman, Kwality Dairy Industries Ltd, Dr. R S Khanna.